As you enter Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill on the waterfront (the old Sage American Grill), you are welcomed by wide-open walls of windows with an expansive view of Long Island Sound. The interior features both a raw and a stylish horseshoe shaped bar, ideal for socializing. The décor is fresh and clean with no stereotypical nautical signs.

The menu offers small plates, soups & salads, chefs selections and side dishes to share, and features a Simply Prepared Classics section, for those looking for unadorned options with a choice of a simple sauce — a perfect option for those who want simple entrées not overloaded with extra ingredients — and calories.

The refreshing scallop & shrimp ceviche ($15) with a touch of chipotle had no sense of “fishiness.” The corn crusted Flash-Fried Calamari ($14) came with a spicy Asian sauce – with just the right touch of zing. Carpaccio is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and Shell & Bones Seared Beef Carpaccio ($16) may be the best I ever had!  It wasn’t too lemony, instead the carpaccio had a very light champagne vinaigrette, served with avocado slices and manchego cheese, which added complementary flavors and textures.

While the Simply Prepared Classics were tempting from a healthy eating perspective, knowing the talents of Executive Chef Arturo Franco-Camacho, we chose the Atlantic Cod Chowder Style ($27), and the Scallops La Plancha ($32).

Both dishes were delicious. The generous piece of pan-roasted cod in a light cream broth along with potatoes, corn, leeks celery and bacon was neither too heavy, nor too thin. Instead this tasty combination’s sauce was a perfect consistency. The scallops were served over a roasted cauliflower puree, golden raisins, onions, basil and a vin blanc.  I might describe this dish as Indian, although it had no curry. I loved it.

For sides, we tried the generous portions of tasty sautéed mushrooms & garlic ($8) and Smashed Potatoes with truffle & parmesan dust ($6).

Shell & Bones is a great addition to the ever-growing New Haven dining scene both as a spot for dinner or cocktails.
 
Submitted by: Special Correspondent Robbin Seipold www.robbinslist.com

 

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill
100 South Water Street
New Haven, CT
203.787-3466
www.shellandbones.com

Click to add a blog post for Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill on Zomato